US trip something to really celebrate

‘We’re off!” The happy Rarotonga members of the Apostolic Church who are flying to the United States this weekend. In front are Bishop Tutai Pere and his wife Patricia.

A contingent of 36 Apostolic Church members will travel to the United States this weekend to attend their 25th South Pacific District Council.

The team is made up of 17 from Rarotonga, nine from Aitutaki and 10 from Mangaia and will be joined by delegations from all over the South Pacific involving about 300 people.

Bishop Tutai Pere says for the first time the annual event will be hosted at the church of the Apostolic Church’s founding father, the late Bishop Theophilus Price in San Jose, California.The event will also mark the 50 years anniversary celebration of mother church in San Jose. A three day mini-council will be held there from July 22 to 24.

“This US trip coincides also with the 100 Years Anniversary Celebration of the international church organisation which is the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Incorporated headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The South Pacific delegations fly out from San Jose on July 25 to attend the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World general convention, which will run from July 26 to August 1. The group will be led by Bishop Pere and Mrs Pere.

“This will be a first-time experience for most members to attend an international general convention and spending some time visiting Disneyland, International Studio and Hollywood in Los Angeles on their way back,” says Bishop Pere.

“This is an educational, holiday and lifetime experience for almost all members and they are all excited and really looking forward to it.

“I am very happy to take this team to the US. They all worked hard at fundraising and saving enough to afford the trip. However for a few, the sudden drop in the value of the New Zealand currency on the world market affected their travel and accommodation costs and they were sadly unable to make the trip.

“All Pentecostal movements worldwide came out of this parent body, known as the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Incorporated.

“The organisation traces its roots to 1905 when another great revival and outpouring of the Holy Ghost similar to the Day of Pentecost recorded in the Book of Acts Chapter 2, was experienced.

“The most well-known one occurred at Asuza Street in Los Angeles in 1906,” said Bishop Pere.

“The Cook Islands contingent will return to Rarotonga on August 3, in time for the Constitution Day Celebration on August 4.

“We thank and appreciate all who offered us catering opportunities and supported us in all the fundraising programmes we have done.”